[Encephalitozoonosis in rabbits - a retrospective evaluation of patient data]

Encephalitozoonosis is a widespread, common disease in rabbits that also bears significance as a potential zoonosis. The aim of the study is to analyse encephalitozoonosis in terms of diagnosis and treatment based on a retrospective evaluation of patient data.

107 cases of rabbits with a suspected diagnosis of encephalitozoonosis presented at a university clinic between 2013 and 2022, were retrospectively evaluated. The cases were reviewed with regard to the form of encephalitozoonosis, husbandry, feeding, diagnosis, therapy and outcome.

The housing systems - indoor versus outdoor housing, individual versus group housing - and the recent integration of an animal into the group did not exert statistically significant effects as predisposing factors. Clinically, encephalitozoonosis manifested itself in the central nervous system in 63.6% (n=68) of cases. The average age of animals with the ocular form was significantly lower (p<0.001) at 23.7 months, and that of animals with the renal form was higher than the average age of the entire population of diseased animals examined, with a mean of 71.4 months. When comparing the outcomes of 84 rabbits, 29.8% (n=25) showed improvement, 44.0% (n=37) stabilised and 28.2% (n=22) died or had to be euthanised. The IgG titre was significantly more frequently elevated (>1:5120) in the deceased or euthanised rabbits, at 50.0% (n=6).

The present study found no influence of husbandry parameters with regard to encephalitozoonosis. There was a correlation between age and form of the disease. The detection of antibodies played a central role in diagnosis, but only allowed for a presumptive diagnosis. Fendendazole, analgesia, anti-inflammatory drugs and supportive measures were used for treatment. Such measures included a calm and stress-free environment and physiotherapy for the central nervous form, and ensuring hydration for the renal form. In around 70% of cases, an improvement or stabilisation of the condition was achieved.